Sulforaphane, an activator of Nrf2, suppresses cellular accumulation of arsenic and its cytotoxicity in primary mouse hepatocytes

FEBS Lett. 2006 Mar 20;580(7):1771-4. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.02.031. Epub 2006 Feb 24.

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an activator of the transcription factor Nrf2, which plays a critical role in metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics. Exposure of primary mouse hepatocytes to SFN resulted in activation of Nrf2 and significant elevation of protein expressions responsible for excretion of arsenic into extracellular space. Pretreatment with SFN 24 h prior to arsenite exposure reduced not only arsenic accumulation in the cells but also cellular toxicity of this metalloid. Therefore, our findings indicate a potential function of SFN in reducing cellular arsenic levels, thereby diminishing arsenic toxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arsenic / metabolism
  • Arsenic Poisoning / drug therapy*
  • Arsenic Poisoning / prevention & control
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Hepatocytes / drug effects*
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Isothiocyanates
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / genetics*
  • Sulfoxides
  • Thiocyanates / pharmacology*
  • Thiocyanates / therapeutic use
  • Xenobiotics

Substances

  • Isothiocyanates
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • Nfe2l2 protein, mouse
  • Sulfoxides
  • Thiocyanates
  • Xenobiotics
  • sulforaphane
  • Arsenic